This informative post will be published on Saturday in place of my regular one.  You are invited to participate with the opening question.

Brain Teaser Question

George, Helen, and Steve are drinking coffee.  Bert, Karen, and Dave are drinking Pepsi.  Following this pattern, is Elizabeth drinking coffee or Pepsi?

(answer found at the end of this post)

Featured Facts

The Oklahoma Territory of the United States gains statehood on November 16, 1907, as it becomes the 46th state.

Here are a few interesting facts about Oklahoma:

• Capital City:  Oklahoma City (also the largest city)
• Nickname:  Sooner State
• State Bird:  Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
• State Animal:  American Bison
• State Motto:  Labor Omnia Vincit (Labor Conquers All Things)

The story of Oklahoma’s progression to statehood begins long before 1907.  During the administration of President Andrew Jackson, Congress passes the Indian Removal Act of 1830.  This legislation designates the Oklahoma Territory as Indian Territory, and it authorizes the President to move Native Americans from the lands east of the Mississippi River to those found west of it.

As thousands of Native tribes are displaced from their territorial homes, a “trail of tears” follows their forced migration to lands in the future state of Oklahoma.  These Native Americans include Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Chickasaw, and Seminole tribes, along with many others.  These five tribal nations are often called the “Five Civilized Tribes” by historians and others. 

The Dawes Act of 1887 allows further disruption in the Native Americans’ way of life.  Later on March 3, 1889, President Benjamin Harrison opens the unassigned lands of the Indian Territory to white settlement.  On April 22, 1889, the infamous Oklahoma Land Rush begins at 12:00 Noon.  Before the legitimate settlers make any claims, others designated as “Sooners” cross into the territory early.

A total of 38 Native American tribes reside in modern-day Oklahoma.  Only the states of Alaska and California have more.  About 13 percent of the present-day population of the Sooner State is Native American.

One of Oklahoma’s most famous citizens is Will Rogers.  Born on a large ranch in Cherokee Nation territory near the present-day community of Oologah, he goes on to become a cowboy, Broadway star, actor, writer, and humorist.

row 1:  state capitol building in oklahoma city, two more photos from Oklahoma city include the national cowboy hall of fame and oklahoma city skyline.  Row 2: “sooner schooner” mascot of the University of Oklahoma football team, scissor-tailed flycatcher, “trail of tears” statue inside the national cowboy hall of fame.  Row 3:  oklahoma state flag and will rogers.   (all images courtesy of PINTEREST)

Answer to Brain Teaser Question

Coffee, just like the other names with two “E’s”.  Those with one “E” drink Pepsi.